Information on Leicestershire

Metal detectors to deter knife crime in Leicester city centre

Posted on 20/06/08

The use of metal detectors is being increased by police in Leicester city centre throughout the summer to catch and deter people from carrying knives or other weapons and to reassure members of the public who are enjoying a night out.

Airport-style metal detectors will be deployed as part of regular planned operations on certain evenings in the city centre. Members of the public will be requested to walk through the detectors by uniformed officers. Plain clothes officers will be nearby to identify and stop any people trying to avoid the detectors and to search them if necessary.

PC Sean McOwen of the city centre's Violence and Disorder Team said: "We have been using metal detectors in the city centre for some time now. However the decision has been made to increase their use over the summer months to reassure people enjoying a night out and to ensure that the city remains a safe and enjoyable place to visit.

"Whenever we use the metal detectors they are well received. Members of the public find it reassuring and are pleased to see that the police in the city centre are proactively working to prevent people from carrying weapons.

"I would like to stress that we do not have a particular problem with knives or other weapons in Leicester. However we have found that some people are unaware that carrying a lock knife, for example, is illegal. The carrying of certain pen knives may also be against the law depending on the length of the blade. Once we explain this, the owners are more than happy to hand them over to officers."

An operation using the metal detectors was carried out in the city centre last Thursday (June 12). They were deployed on Horsefair Street, the Market Place and Church Gate with 299 people walking through the detectors. One knife was recovered by officers and advice was given to the person carrying it. No arrests were made.

Inspector Chris Brown, commander of the City Centre local policing unit said: "I am disappointed that there are still a small minority of individuals carrying knives and other weapons. We will continue to target this problem so that we can make the city an even safer place to come and socialise."

Issued on 20/06/08 at 09:00

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